In a significant step towards the future of automobile manufacturing, the BMW Group, in collaboration with California-based robotics company Figure, has successfully tested the use of humanoid robots in production at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. The latest generation of robots, has completed a trial run, showcasing its ability to insert sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, a task that requires a high degree of dexterity.
Board Member Milan Nedeljković commented on the initiative, stating, “The developments in the field of robotics are very promising. With an early test operation, we are now determining possible applications for humanoid robots in production. We want to accompany this technology from development to industrialization.”
This trial is part of BMW’s broader vision for future production under the BMW iFACTORY initiative, which focuses on efficiency, digitalisation, and sustainability. The test provided valuable insights into the integration of multi-purpose robots within existing production systems, highlighting the communication between humanoid robots and the system under real-world conditions.
Figure 02, the latest model from Figure, represents a significant technological advancement in robotics. The robot is designed for complex, autonomous tasks and is equipped with enhanced processing power, improved voice communication, advanced sensors, and fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom each. This enables Figure 02 to perform dynamic and precise tasks with human-like dexterity.
Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO of Figure, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to unveil Figure 02, our second-generation humanoid robot, which recently completed successful testing at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Figure 02 has significant technical advancements, which enable the robot to perform a wide range of complex tasks fully autonomously.”
Despite the successful trial, there are currently no Figure AI robots permanently stationed at the Spartanburg plant, and no specific timeline has been set for their full implementation. However, BMW Group and Figure will continue to collaborate, focusing on data capturing and further development to prepare Figure 02 for future applications in production.
This groundbreaking collaboration marks an important milestone in BMW’s pursuit of integrating advanced robotics into its manufacturing processes, aiming to improve ergonomics, safety, and efficiency in automobile production.
